The early roots of nationalism lie in the ideas of the enlightened philosphers, like Jaques Rousseau. Subjects of absolute rule, exchanged their chains, as Rosseau called them for a hand in economic and political life. The majority, or thrid estate during the French Revolution, were now stakeholders in the formation of a nation they were previously dissconnected from. Rousseau, among other enlightened thinkers, spawned new ideas about the relationship man should have with his ruler. Breaking free from the shackles of absolute authority were the embers of change that Rosseau and other philosphers fanned. Rule that brought bennifits to the masses as opposed to a single entity brought foreward a vision for a better life than that which was provided in fuedal times. A ruling elite came to include a population who made decisions with the majority in mind.
The early roots of nationalism lie in the ideas of the enlightened philosphers, like Jaques Rousseau. Subjects of absolute rule, exchanged their chains, as Rosseau called them for a hand in economic and political life. The majority, or thrid estate during the French Revolution, were now stakeholders in the formation of a nation they were previously dissconnected from. Rousseau, among other enlightened thinkers, spawned new ideas about the relationship man should have with his ruler. Breaking free from the shackles of absolute authority were the embers of change that Rosseau and other philosphers fanned. Rule that brought bennifits to the masses as opposed to a single entity brought foreward a vision for a better life than that which was provided in fuedal times. A ruling elite came to include a population who made decisions with the majority in mind.